How to Make an Origami Paper Lantern

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. Using simple, thin square sheets of origami paper, you can create a myriad of fun and functional objects. An origami paper lantern is an easy decoration that can be made in different colors and hung around a room for a festive atmosphere.

Things You'll Need

• Origami paper
• Scissors
• Thread
• Bamboo skewer

Instructions

1. Lay a piece of origami paper flat on the table. Have the side that you want on the outside of your lantern against the table.

2. Fold the paper in half vertically and horizontally. Unfold the paper and lay it flat. You should have created four quadrants with the two folds.

3. Fold each of the four corners forward so that they meet in the center, forming a diamond shape.

4. Flip the paper over and fold each of the four corners forward again so that they meet in the center.

5. Flip the paper once again and repeat the same four-corner fold-in.

6. Hold the paper in front of you in a diamond shape. Use both of your thumbs to open the top corner, pushing the two triangles outward.

7. Do the same to the bottom corner, forming two openings at the top and bottom of your lantern.

8. Poke two holes through the top of the lantern with the skewer. Weave your thread through the two holes and tie it into a loop. Hang your lantern by the thread loop.

References

• Origammi Tutorial